SVC Craft Brewing Academy

Skagit Valley College begins Craft Brewing Academy

In response to the needs of today’s expanding craft and microbrew industry, Skagit Valley College (SVC) will offer a 40-credit, four-month Craft Brewing Academy beginning in May. SVC’s program is the first to be offered among Washington’s community and technical colleges.

SVC’s Craft Brewing Academy is the result of the College’s participation in Governor Inslee’s Skagit Valley Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ) for Value Added Agriculture.

The IPZ nurtures partnerships to enhance the local agricultural industry, promoting innovative approaches that combine research and technology, producing new jobs and a robust economy centered on the valley’s rich agricultural resources and heritage.

Partners include local farmers and entrepreneurs, Washington State University, The Northwest Agriculture Business Center, Port of Skagit, City of Mount Vernon, Skagit County, Economic Development Association of Skagit County, and Skagit Valley College.

“The Northwest, and the Skagit Valley in particular, is a vibrant hub for the craft brew industry,” said Lynnette Bennett, Associate Dean of Workforce Education at SVC. “We are fortunate to be working closely with our IPZ partners who are on the forefront of innovation and share our excitement of the craft brew industry, as well as the potential that the program will offer our students and the region.”

Students in the program will gain an overview of the complete craft brew business,  “from grain to glass.”  It is designed to provide them with a foundation of knowledge required for successful employment. The program is structured to help students learn craft brew science theory and practices in the classroom, in the lab, and with internships at local breweries. The Academy is ideal for those considering entry into the brewing industry, as well as those pursuing wider knowledge of the business in order to advance in their career goals.

The program’s Advisory Committee is comprised of: The Pike Brewing Company, Westland Distillery, Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, Skagit Valley Malting & Brewing Company, Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, Malteurop North American, Inc., Skagit River Brewery, Flyers Restaurant & Brewery, Hale’s Ales, Golden Distillery, Boundary Bay Brewery, Island Hoppin’ Brewery, and WSU Research and Extension. Providing the curriculum development are brewers from Skagit Valley Malting & Brewing Company, Rockfish Grill & Anacortes Brewery, Flyers Restaurant & Brewery, and Boundary Bay Brewery.

SVC’s Craft Brewing Academy begins May 3rd. Academy fees are $4,500, plus books. Registration for the Academy is going on now for returning SVC students. New students can begin registering February 25.

For more information, contact Lynnette Bennett, (360) 416-7869, [email protected] , or visit www.skagit.edu/craftbrew

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